OZEMPIC 0.5 MG

OZEMPIC 0.5 MG

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injection used to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ozempic is also used to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events like stroke, heart attack or death, for adults with type 2 diabetes who also have heart disease. Ozempic should be used along with diet and exercise.Ozempic should not be used for type 1 diabetes mellitus. Ozempic is not FDA approved for weight loss.

How does Ozempic work?

Ozempic is from a class of medicines called a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists (incretin mimetics).

Ozempic works by binding to GLP-1 receptors which stimulates insulin release from the pancreas when you need insulin, it also helps to reduce the amount of sugar released by your liver and slows down food leaving your stomach. The combination of these effects helps to lower your A1C and blood sugar levels, and may also help reduce your appetite.

How should I use Ozempic?

Use this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. It is usually started at a low dose that is gradually increased every 4 weeks to 30 days. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help.

Ozempic is injected under the skin (subcutaneous injection), usually once per week at any time of the day, with or without food. Use an injection on the same day each week.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it.

Your healthcare provider will show you where to inject this medicine, it is usually injected into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

If you choose a different weekly injection day, start your new schedule after at least 2 days have passed since the last injection you gave.

Do not use different brands of semaglutide (Wegovy or Rybelsus) at the same time.

Blood sugar can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can make you feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink hard candy, crackers, raisins, fruit juice, or non-diet soda. Your doctor may prescribe glucagon injection in case of severe hypoglycemia.

Tell your doctor if you have frequent symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.

Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, medical tests, and special medical care.

You may get dehydrated during prolonged illness. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you eat or drink less than usual.

The Ozempic injection pen contains more than one dose. After your first use, store the pen with the needle removed in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Protect from heat and light. Keep the cap on when not in use. Throw the pen away 56 days after the first use, or if less than 0.25 mg is shown on the dose counter.

Do not reuse a needle. Place it in a puncture-proof “sharps” container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store unopened injection pens in the original carton in a refrigerator, protected from light. Do not use past the expiration date. Throw away an injection pen that has been frozen.

Dosage

Ozempic recommended dosage:

• Start Ozempic with a 0.25 mg subcutaneous injection (injection under the skin) once weekly for 4 weeks. The 0.25 mg dosage is intended for treatment initiation and is not effective for glycemic control.
• After 4 weeks on the 0.25 mg dosage, increase the dosage to 0.5 mg once weekly.
• If additional glycemic control is needed after at least 4 weeks on the 0.5 mg dosage, the dosage may be increased to 1 mg once weekly.
• ​If additional glycemic control is needed after at least 4 weeks on the 1 mg dosage, the dosage may be increased to 2 mg once weekly. The maximum recommended dosage is 2 mg once weekly.
• Administer Ozempic once weekly, on the same day each week, at any time of the day, with or without meals.
• The day of weekly administration can be changed if necessary as long as the time between two doses is at least 2 days (>48 hours).
• If a dose is missed, administer your injection as soon as possible within 5 days after the missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and administer the next dose on the regularly scheduled day. In each case, patients can then resume their regular once weekly dosing schedule

Ozempic is available as 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1mg and 2mg dose pens.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use Ozempic as soon as you can and then go back to your regular schedule. If you are more than 5 days late for the injection, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

Do not use two doses of this medicine at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose may cause severe nausea, vomiting, or low blood sugar.

What should I avoid while using Ozempic?

Never share an injection pen, even if you changed the needle. Sharing this device can pass infection or disease from person to person.

Ozempic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching; dizziness, fast heartbeats; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.